This chapter reviews recent developments in two- and three-dimensional theories of consolidation, and discusses the relevance of such developments to engineering design. Most of the consolidation problems found in practice can now be solved, although all but the simplest require techniques of numerical analysis. The finite difference methods which have been most widely used for this purpose are described. Much recent research has been directed towards assessing the importance of the various factors involved in the analysis. Several such research papers are reviewed in this chapter, and the authors' results are presented - often in the form of design charts - to allow the influence of the various parameters to be studied. In addition, comparisons are presented of the behaviour predicted both by the Terzaghi-Rendulic theory and by Biot's more rigorous analysis. These should be of value in assessing when the simpler terzaghi-rendulic theory is adequate. (Author/TRRL)